Britain's Most Historic Towns Season 1 Episode 5 Regency Cheltenham

In the fifth episode of Britain's Most Historic Towns season 1, the focus is on Regency Cheltenham, a spa town known for its elegant architecture and wealthy patrons during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Host Alice Roberts takes us on a journey through the history of this town and its transformation from a small village to a fashionable destination for the elite.

Starting at the impressive Pittville Pump Room, Alice explains the important role that the spa waters played in the town's development, attracting visitors from far and wide. She explores the exquisite architecture of the Regency period, including the elegant crescents and promenades that remain popular with tourists to this day.

Alice also visits the Cheltenham Ladies' College, one of the oldest and most prestigious girls' schools in the country. Founded in 1853, it has played a crucial role in the education of women, being a leader in providing girls with access to higher education and empowering them to take on prominent roles in society.

The episode also covers the darker side of Cheltenham's history, including the role it played in the slave trade and the treatment of the poor during the Industrial Revolution. Alice visits the site of a former workhouse and compares the living conditions of the poorest residents of Cheltenham with the luxurious lifestyles of the wealthy visitors who frequented the town.

Throughout the episode, we see how the architecture and culture of Regency Cheltenham still influence the town today. Alice talks to residents who still embrace the Regency lifestyle, from attending balls dressed in period costumes to participating in Regency dances. She also explores the town's literary connections, visiting the house where author Gustav Holst lived and wrote some of his most famous works.

As with each episode of Britain's Most Historic Towns, there are plenty of fascinating insights and surprising revelations about the town's past. Regency Cheltenham is no exception, and fans of history, architecture, and culture will find plenty to enjoy in this episode.